So I can hear the wheels in your head turning, and you’re wanting to ask why? Why is this the best?

Was it the food? Was it the service? The ambience? The quality? The presentation?

The answer?

The answer was: All of the above 🙂

As I’ve mentioned before, having the words Express Lunch, means just that. You have made a promised dedication to get your diners in and out in under 60 minutes (or so) and to showcase the quality of your food in that amount of time.

Things don’t have to feel rush, and you definitely do not have to rush your diners. You just need to ensure that both your staff and your kitchen is committed to that timeframe and trust that they will execute that promise.

Which is what Matteo’s did. I made a booking for 12pm and was notified that we had to be done and dusted by 1.15pm. Not a problem, the way I see it, all I’m doing is sitting and eating. The kitchen and front of house staff are the ones who have to fulfil that obligation.

So arrived on time we did. Actually, we arrived at about 11.45am and sat in the car. Our lunch date was to be with Azzie 🙂

She was early too, so she got off the tram and the three of us sat in the car, Instagramming (I swear we are not addicts!)

When it came to 12pm sharp, we entered past the heavy wooden doors, to be greeted with a very loud and very friendly, “HELLO!”

Azzie and I could not stop ourselves giggling. It was also pleasant to know that that was the same response given to everyone else that walked through those doors.

Just a quick reminder, the Express Lunch is a set menu of two options, but you can opt for an additional course for a certain amount (Matteo’s was $15 per additional course).

Both the Boy and I ordered two courses each, and Azzie ordered three (tee hee 🙂 )

I had the very lovely and fresh entree (Option 1) of Tartare of Hiramasa Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Atlantic Salmon.

I love sashimi in general, so a compilation of my favourite fish done in tartare style is heavenly. The use of sea urchin butter reminded me of a similar matching with fish at Pei Modern.

Azzie had her entree (Option 2) of Deep Fried Baby Squid Filled with Red Rice & Shrimp, Heirloom Carrot Salad, Edamame Soybeans, Sea Urchin Butter Sauce which she loved. I liked the crispy battered shell and the tenderness of the squid it encased.

For the mains, the Boy chose the first option which was the Fish of the Day – Rockling, Deep Fried School Prawns, Steamed Rice Roll, Laksa Sauce.

I actually preferred this dish over mine and ended up swapping a quarter of the way in.

I just loved the smoothness and texture of the steamed rice roll and fish. Reminded me of a fish cheong fun (Rice Noodles) with curry sauce. Soooooooooo good!

The pastry on those little tartlets were just amazing and to die for. It pretty much held its form until you bite into it, from there it crumbles and melts in your mouth. So bloody good.

Seeing that I was going to miss out on desserts, our waiter asked if I wanted to join in by having an Additional Dessert ($6.00): Matteo’s C-Spot – Small Warm Dark Chocolate ‘Ganache’ Tartlet outside of the express lunch menu.

He didn’t want me to be lonely, and because I really didn’t want to be left out, I went along with it. SOOOOO happy, as the dark chocolate ganache came encased in the exact pastry I managed to try from the other two.

The execution of the food, presentation and the service of the staff were impeccable.

There was never a moment where the three of us had to worry or feel annoyed by anything. This goes to show, that done right, and properly, one can adhere to the Express Lunch rules and still impress.

We will definitely return for more this year 🙂

Please note: The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Express Lunch (Choice of 2 courses, a glass of wine, and tea/coffee for $35 per person) has ended for 2012 and will return in 2013.

Please also note: Matteo’s still run their own Express Lunch deal throughout the year (except December) on Mondays to Fridays for $44 per person which includes 2 courses with a glass of wine.

*Disclaimer: All food ratings & review are purely based on my own experiences and how I feel about the service, food and quality at the time of visit

I have never been to Matteo’s but I have heard so many people say they have had brilliant meals there that I really need to rectify things.Cara @ Gourmet Chick recently posted…Best brunches in Collingwood

Awww you’ve reminded me of the lone MFWF post that has yet to be posted down my end lol but definitely going to try and get a booking next year for Matteo’s after your glowing review 🙂Ames recently posted…Green Eggs and Ham: Reinvented

Such a good price. Looks like a beautiful lunch. I had mashed pumpkin with cheese today *cries* Unfortunately there are no nice places like this near my work.
The chairs look very comfortable, were they?Miss Kimbers @ Fruit Salad and Mixed Veg recently posted…Ice Magic

I do like the sound of this restaurant. It seems very well run, both front of house and the kitchen. And the menu is interesting and varied. I do like the look of the lamb and I like my lamb with peas! And that fondant for dessert looks very difficult to say no to xxHotly Spiced recently posted…The Black People